Mum's stella act of love for daughter

Philly Angus, left, is shaving her head to support her daughter Stella. Photo / Ben Fraser

After witnessing everything her daughter has been through over the last couple of months, Philly Angus would do pretty much anything to support her.

With that in mind, the Rotorua mum is showing her support for 8-year-old Stella and shaving her head as part of the Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand's Shave for a Cure campaign.

Stella was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in late December, just days before her eighth birthday.

Even as she took her "fit and healthy" daughter back to the doctor for a third time with a lingering sore throat, Mrs Angus said she didn't consider the cancer diagnosis.

On the third visit the GP ordered blood tests and less than two hours after having them, they'd been called and told to go to hospital. The next day they were transferred to Starship Hospital by ambulance.

"It makes you realise it can actually happen to anyone. I don't think we thought we were bulletproof but it really blindsided us. We never expected to have a child with cancer."

Stella's treatment is expected to continue for the next two years. "It's phenomenal what they go through."

Already the brave primary girl has received nearly 200 "beads of courage" for the various hospital stays and procedures along the journey.

Mrs Angus said Stella's treatments, including three rounds of chemotherapy in the last two months, had caused her to lose her hair and that had been a big part of their journey.

Stella had initially asked her mum if she would shave her head to be like her, and Mrs Angus said she couldn't think of a more powerful way to demonstrate her love for her daughter.

As a wedding celebrant, her first thought was "my poor brides", but as it turned out, she finished her last wedding of the season in time to take part in Shave for a Cure.

Mrs Angus said Stella was stoked with her decision, but turned to her a few minutes later and said, "You know you don't have to, Mum."

Stella has been guiding her mum on what to expect from having no hair - including what it feels like to have the water on your head when you shower - and was prepared to share some of her growing collection of hats with her.

Mrs Angus said she was just looking forward to March 22, when Stella would shave her head at a small family event.

"We're not doing it for anyone else, just for ourselves."

So far Mrs Angus has raised more than $2500. To donate, go to www.shaveforacure.co.nz and search her name.